vitamin B12
noun
1
: a complex cobalt-containing compound C63H88CoN14O14P that occurs especially in liver, is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth, and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor
called also cyanocobalamin
2
: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B12 in action but having different chemistry
Examples of vitamin B12 in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Oral vitamin B12 supplements are usually sufficient to maintain daily requirements.
—
Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 29 Apr. 2025
One of the other major risks of nitrous oxide abuse is the disruption of vitamin B12 metabolism, Hadland says.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Because vitamin B12 is primarily found in meat, fish, dairy and eggs, vegetarians and vegans should consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement.
—Lina Begdache, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025
Specific vitamins like biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are essential for nail growth, adds Dr. Patel, and deficiencies can not only lead to slow-growing nails, but also brittle or ridged ones.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
These include protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, high in meat or animal by-products.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025
Without proper supplementation, both groups face a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, lower vitamin D levels, reduced iron stores, and iodine deficiency, which could impact thyroid function.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Red meat can be a valuable source of important nutrients, including zinc, iron, protein, and vitamin B12.
—Roxana Ehsani, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
Sardines These small fish, especially when eaten whole, are a powerhouse of nutrients: Sardines contain vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin B12.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 29 Apr. 2025
One of the other major risks of nitrous oxide abuse is the disruption of vitamin B12 metabolism, Hadland says.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Because vitamin B12 is primarily found in meat, fish, dairy and eggs, vegetarians and vegans should consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement.
—Lina Begdache, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025
Specific vitamins like biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are essential for nail growth, adds Dr. Patel, and deficiencies can not only lead to slow-growing nails, but also brittle or ridged ones.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
These include protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, high in meat or animal by-products.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025
Without proper supplementation, both groups face a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, lower vitamin D levels, reduced iron stores, and iodine deficiency, which could impact thyroid function.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Red meat can be a valuable source of important nutrients, including zinc, iron, protein, and vitamin B12.
—Roxana Ehsani, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
Sardines These small fish, especially when eaten whole, are a powerhouse of nutrients: Sardines contain vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin B12.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vitamin B12.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitamin%20B12. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vitamin B12
noun1
: a complex cobalt-containing compound C63H88CoN14O14P found in animal products (as meat and eggs) that is essential to normal blood formation, neural function, and growth and is used especially in treating pernicious and related anemias and in animal feed as a growth factor
called also cyanocobalamin
2
: any of several compounds similar to vitamin B12 in action but having different chemistry
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share